The HELP program provides accountancy majors with meaningful professional experience in NIU’s Internal Audit office. This paid, multiyear program is more than just a student job, it’s a competitive professional pathway.
You’ll perform real internal audit and assurance work under the guidance of experienced auditors, allowing you to gain the skills employers expect — before you graduate.
Eligibility
HELP is a selective program. You’re eligible to apply if you:
- Are an accountancy major (current sophomore or junior)
- Plan to pursue NIU’s Master of Accounting Science (MAS)
- Are highly motivated, analytical and ethical and interested in audit, accounting or assurance careers
No prior audit experience is required. Training and mentoring are provided.
How to Apply
For the 2026-27 academic year, we plan to hire one student who will be a junior next year and one who will be a senior. In future years, one new junior will be selected annually.
You can apply through Huskies Get Hired. Log in to submit your application.
The HELP Advantage
The HELP program provides real responsibility — not busywork. You’ll gain résumé-ready experience by your senior year and build strong professional references over time. Here’s what to expect each year of the program.
Junior Year
- Learn audit fundamentals.
- Support live audit engagements.
- Build professional documentation and analysis skills.
Senior Year
- Take on more complex assignments.
- Perform testing and data analysis.
- Strengthen judgment and independence.
Graduate Year
- Advance into a paid graduate assistant role (which are filled from within HELP).
- Lead audit work under professional supervision.
- Continue your development while completing the MAS program.
- Receive a graduate assistant tuition waiver.